Gregory James Coffone passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at home in Blue Ridge with his wife by his side.

The Coffones lived in the area for 31 years, after they took an early retirement offer from Southern Bell Telephone, where they both worked. Over the years, Greg said many times that he moved here to change his lifestyle...not change Fannin County.

Prior to that, he served in the aviation field of the Navy with duty stations at Milton, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, and onboard the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal in the Mediterranean Sea. He had a life-long fascination with aviation and often recalled many of his happiest hours were in T-28 airplanes in the sky over Whiting Field Naval Air Station. He was a very proud Veteran who attended over 200 local Veteran funerals with the Honor Guard and was honored to be a member of the Blue Ridge Detachment #1438 of the Marine Corps League.

He is best known as the Voice of the Rebels, the Fannin County High School football stadium announcer. He never missed a game in 13 years and watched many local boys grow up on the football field.

His hobby was radio and he was a DJ at WPPL in Blue Ridge and WLSB in Copperhill for several years. Local residents will recall fondly the "Chicken Report" from the McDonald's intersection.

One of the thrills of his life was meeting President George W. Bush in the Oval Office.

In addition to being a local businessman before retirement, he was a Board member of several organizations, Past President of Blue Ridge Kiwanis and was Chamber Member of the Year.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Thelma, daughter Olivia Coffone of Young Harris College, nephew Mike Raker (Susan), Mark Raker (Zuleika), Levi Raker, niece Lizabeth Colvin (Scott) and several grand nieces and nephews.

A memorial service with full military honors by Marine Corps League #1438 Honor Guard was held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. from the St. Lukes Episcopal Church with Rev. Victor Morgan officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for Olivia's college fund at 301 Jones Street #537, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.